The Nature Photography Thread

[adamanteus]

Indeed, and there wouldn't be so much left.:rolleyes:

[crzy_kevo]

ya i thought the males widows were much smaller must be the old skin

[Lori P]

Ahhhh that makes sense. But it was so much more darkly romantic to think it was her old love.... :rolleyes:

[reptileparadise]

Very nice pictures Lori...Sad about the dead ones, but I guess thats just nature!
I love the black widow! It looks huge!
*edit*
oh, no...wait...Thats a screw, not a doorhandle
Still very impressive though!
*edit*

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/2008-07-27/2008-07-27-01.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/2008-07-27/2008-07-27-02.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/2008-07-27/2008-07-27-03.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/2008-07-27/2008-07-27-04.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/2008-07-27/2008-07-27-05.jpg


The first dragonfly was pretty banged up. We fished it out of the sea and got it up on the rock. It had lost a couple of legs and probably didn't survive, but it seemed to get a bit better while I was taking the pictures. The last photo is of a different one.

I also got a few pictures of a baby Zootoca vivipara, but the pictures turned out really bad.

[Lori P]

Really enjoyed those dragonfly pics, Stefan. And hey, let us be the judge of how bad the other pics are!!

[count dewclaw]

Love those dragonfly pics!

[reptileparadise]

And hey, let us be the judge of how bad the other pics are!!

Ditto to that!

Man, the lightning outside is crazy! There hasn't been a hint of darkness for the last half hour or so! And its midnight!
As I'm typing this, I can hear the wind is picking up...This is going to be a rough night for people who fear lighting!:D

[adamanteus]

Really? We having a whole bunch of lightning here too... but no thunder?:confused:

[Lulu Bennett]

we have got lightening and thunder. about 15miles away?

[reptileparadise]

loads of thunder!
And the first raindrops are falling now...
But sadly, its all 'stupid' lightning. Just bright skies, no cool bolt like stuff
I've taken a couple off pics, but that has to wait till tomorrow (sp? sh*tty word...never knew the good way of spelling it)

[adamanteus]

What? Tomorrow? You got it right, Sjoerd.

[Lulu Bennett]

yeah thunder and lightening for the last 20 mins but we have a few drops of rain on the window.

[reptileparadise]

What? Tomorrow? You got it right, Sjoerd.

Yes! I used the 'don't think, just hit the keyboard method ":D
Its really pooring down now. Bit of hail as well

[adamanteus]

All quiet here now.... and Sjoerd, that's pouring, not pooring!:D

[anji1971]

Poor Sjoerd. We're all just pouring corrections on him lately.:D

[Stefan-A]

And hey, let us be the judge of how bad the other pics are!!
Well, you asked for it. :rolleyes:

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/2008-07-27/2008-07-27-bad1.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/2008-07-27/2008-07-27-bad2.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/2008-07-27/2008-07-27-bad3.jpg

[anji1971]

Oh, come on. The rocks look fabulous in that first photo!

[reptileparadise]

Very nice shots Stefan!

And sorry guys...We can't all perform 100% or better! :D I'm double checking every your/you're right now

Allright, the lightning shots aren't great. I guess it must have something to do with 2 or 3 second shutterspeeds :D
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s285/reptile-paradise/Natuur/DSC_0020Small.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s285/reptile-paradise/Natuur/DSC_0021Small.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s285/reptile-paradise/Natuur/DSC_0028Small.jpg

[Lori P]

OH MY GOD STEFAN take those pics AWAY, they are burning my eyes... oooooh the horror of them.... worse pics than those have surely never been posted!!!!!!!! :D:D Silly... they're fine!!

And oh, Sjoerd, loooooove the color of that sky!!! Very nice!

[Stefan-A]

Silly... they're fine!!
No, they're ****.

[anji1971]

No, they're ****.

Compared to what you normally post, I have to agree.
Compared to what I usually put up, they're not so bad.:D

[infernalis]

How berry berry interesting...

http://www.danceswithreptiles.com/1fun/1berry.jpg

[adamanteus]

Stefan... your lizard shots... they're ****!:D

[Stefan-A]

I warned you, but did you listen to me? Oh, no, you knew it all, didn't you? Oh, it's just a harmless little bunny, isn't it? Well, it's always the same. I always tell them--

[adamanteus]

Monty Python and the Holy Grail?

[Stefan-A]

Indiddly it is.

[GartersRock]

Love it!!!!

[ssssnakeluvr]

Hilarious movie!!! I have it on dvd...my kids love it! oh, and I think I picked up that bunny's cousin!!!!! went to pick up an abandoned rabbit in a cage, little bas.....uh bugger went after me and tried to bite!!!!! :eek::mad:

[anji1971]

That's one of my kids favourites too! I introduced them to Monty Python as soon as I felt they were even close to old enough!;)

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/2008-07-29-surrl1.jpg

[adamanteus]

What a strange picture. I guess the bird is in the shadow?

[GartersRock]

Oh wow! Thats cool and almost optical illusionish. loL!

[Stefan-A]

I hope that somebody makes a good lolbird out of it. ;)

[Lori P]

Geeez, that confuses my brain... and my brain is already so easy to confuse! Great pic.

[reptileparadise]

Cool picture Stefan!

Hmmm...I don't like this thumbnail thing...

[jitami]

Awesome photo!

[Stefan-A]

My settings must be off, it's pretty easy to spot on my screen. Do all my pictures seem a bit too dark, or are you all still using old fashioned tubes?

[reptileparadise]

I cant see the bird on my screen...I can when I take a negative of the picture (like the thumbnail) But even then its pretty hard to see the bird

Your other pictures seem just fine to me!

[Stefan-A]

Okay, it's not exactly easy to see, but you can see the contours of the head and chest.

[reptileparadise]

Lol...No you can't! (well, I can't)

[jitami]

I can see the outline of the bird against the dark wood.

[drache]

I can see the bird when I look hard
some of my photos are dark on some of my friends' laptops and I often wonder . . .

[anji1971]

I can't see a damned thing except a dark rock with an upside-down bird reflection hanging from it.:D
But I'm well aware that my monitor is old and crappy.

[Zephyr]

I hope that somebody makes a good lolbird out of it. ;)
" I r usin mah camoflage" :P

[crzy_kevo]

i went out for a quick herping trip to gwt my mind off things din't find any herps but i foiund this spider and have never seen one like it b4
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/7420/spider1ee6.jpg
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/5026/spider2ks0.jpg

well anyone know what kind of spider it is ?

[Garter_Gertie]

A big black and white one.

Cool spider!

[crzy_kevo]

its *** is spiky too

[reptileparadise]

Oeh! I know those spiders!!!
I just don't know their name :p I've seen them on animal planet though

[Zephyr]

Oh, I know this too. XD
Some sort of crown spider thing. x.x

[ssssnakeluvr]

looks like a spined macrathena spider.....sweet!!!!

[anji1971]

It looks like a Guaranteed-to-Give-Anji-a-Coronary-On-the-Spot spider. :eek:
I hope none of his relatives live anywhere near my backyard.

[adamanteus]

well anyone know what kind of spider it is ?

Micrathena gracilis.

[crzy_kevo]

do you have a comman name for that spider james

[adamanteus]

Kevin, I don't really do common names on spiders.... I guess you could Google it, I think I spelt it right!

[crzy_kevo]

ok i googled it almost had spelling correct james

Spined Micrathena

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[/URL]
Spined Micrathenahttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1d/Micrathena_gracilis_fem.jpg/250px-Micrathena_gracilis_fem.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spined_Micrathena#searchInput)


Species:M. gracilis
[URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binomial_nomenclature"]Binomial name (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micrathena)Micrathena gracilis
(Walckenaer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Athanase_Walckenaer), 1842)Micrathena gracilis is a spider in the family Araneidae (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Araneidae) (orb-weavers), commonly known as the Spined Micrathena. This spider spins a moderately large (may be 30 cm (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centimetre) or more across), very tightly coiled web, often in wooded or brushy areas. It is completely harmless to humans.

Physical characteristics

The only web-building members of the species are the females. They exhibit a bulbous abdomen with a total of ten spines. Males exhibit a fair amount of sexual amorphism. They tend to be around only half the size of the females. Also, they have fewer spines, a flatter abdomen, and a slightly lighter tone. Although males can produce silk, they mostly use it in the mating ritual, which frequently also proves fatal.

Life cycle

Micrathena gracilis hatches in the spring, the image of an adult. After the summer's growth, the female lays eggs in a sack. These remain relatively dormant through the winter months. The general life span is one year in length.

[ssssnakeluvr]

Kevin, I don't really do common names on spiders.... I guess you could Google it, I think I spelt it right!
ummm....spined macrathena???? :eek::D:cool:

[adamanteus]

Sorry Don... missed your post!:o

[infernalis]

http://www.danceswithreptiles.com/chomp/praying.jpg

Found this today while mowing...

[crzy_kevo]

the spider in my pic is a female i found it in the center of her web

@wayne you going to keep that thing wayne would be pretty cool

[jitami]

Awww, he's so cute Wayne! Kevin, I'm with Anji on the spider! Thankfully I live a lot further away from you than she does, too! I don't know why spiders freak me out, but I can't get over it no matter what I try. Tarantulas I'm ok with... anything smaller and forget it...

[count dewclaw]

Here's a waterlily from my pond:

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/waterlily.JPG

[jitami]

Beautiful LeAnn!

[anji1971]

Nice mantid, Wayne.
It sure is a lot bigger than the ones I've got here!!:eek:

LeAnn, the waterlily is beautiful. I must get a pond put in within the next couple years.:)

[count dewclaw]

Thanks, I enjoy my little pond. I would highly recommend putting in a pond. You can get all kinds of cool wildlife coming to your pond!

[anji1971]

Well, I do have the pond-form sitting out in my yard. I have to wait until we put up a new fence next year to even start installing the pond though.
And somehow, I doubt my dinky little pond will attract more than a few birds, but we'll see!:o

[count dewclaw]

Mine is only 300 gal. and we get frogs, dragonflies, and garters (to name a few). Well the garters were already here...

[Stefan-A]

ummm....spined macrathena???? :eek::D:cool:
Well, it's better than "spined macarena".

[ssssnakeluvr]

Well, it's better than "spined macarena".
yes...not sure I would want to see that!!! :eek:

[reptileparadise]

Wow, that praying mantis is really cool!
I just wish we had more wildlife in Holland...

[Lori P]

Oh, I do love blue critters!! This guy was on my fence today. The others flying around were brownish/yellowish... I got lucky when this one landed.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/dragonfly_006_resize.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/dragonfly_007_resize.jpg

[reptileparadise]

Beautifull dragonfly!

[adamanteus]

Fantastic photos, Lori!

[count dewclaw]

I love dragonflies! Beautiful shots Lori!

[GartersRock]

Cool! Blue rocks!!!

[Stefan-A]

Very nice, Lori. :)

[anji1971]

I was out looking for nightcrawlers in the yard tonight, and heard a rustling sound behind me. This little fellow was eating snails from under the rocks in my garden. He stayed for about 10 minutes, and kept following me around as I hunted worms.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/August_10-2008_002.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/August_10-2008_001.jpg

[Hornets23]

He wasn't afraid of you?

[anji1971]

He was cautious, but not completely afraid. He'd come within a couple feet of me, then if I moved, he'd dart back a bit. But he kept creeping up behind me.
Just a young one, so probably far too curious to be really afraid of me.

[Hornets23]

Aww, thats really cute. I used to have some "pet" baby skunks that did that kind of thing.

[anji1971]

Funny you should mention skunks. After running into the raccoon, I kept thinking, "Oh my goodness, I'm sure glad it wasn't a skunk out there instead!"
I don't want to startle one of those, however cute they may be!

[Hornets23]

Lol, point well taken...I dont think the babies can spray until they get a little older but even their mother had no interest in spraying me. I guess I wasn't threatening enough...and once they use their spray it takes a bit to replenish it. I was surprised how close they let me get and they didn't even run away....just slowly waddled. It was really quite cute.

[CrazyHedgehog]

horrible big spider hiding in my brothers wood shed!
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/13th_Aug_08_232.JPG
and from underneath..
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/13th_Aug_08_226.JPG
Over to James to classify!;)

[crzy_kevo]

unfortunatley james wont be around for a little while more i think he is back next week anybody know?

[jitami]

horrible big spider hiding in my brothers wood shed!

:D That's exactly how I would describe it! Glad I'm not the only one! :D

[CrazyHedgehog]

ok, looked for hours on the web and I think it is a Walnut orb spider (Nuctenea umbratica)

[crzy_kevo]

i think you might be right inge

[Snake lover 3-25]

ick!!!! i hate spiders.

[anji1971]

Here's something pretty to take away the "spider shudders"!:D
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Vacation-2008_270.jpg

[Snake lover 3-25]

wow that's alot of cherries???

[Hornets23]

Sweet spiders......love em....have a few myself. One of them i have to admit, i downright adore.

[ssssnakeluvr]

some type of orb spider I know that much.....those don't look like cherries either...

[anji1971]

They're not cherries. I don't actually know what the heck they are. It was a very attractive shrub I came across on vacation, felt compelled to take pictures.:o

[count dewclaw]

They remind me of currants, but it has been ages since I last picked currants....sorry I was wrong. They are chokecherries.

[Stefan-A]

From last weekend. I didn't post them before, because they're ****.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/feh/feh1.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/feh/feh2.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/feh/feh3.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/feh/feh4.jpg

[GartersRock]

Cool snakes in the last pic! I have always loved those...

[ssssnakeluvr]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/feh/feh2.jpg





whats with the bug porn??????? guess I will add some.....:rolleyes:

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//504/crane_flies.jpg
pair of crane flies on my work truck

[GartersRock]

Rofl!!! ;)

[Stefan-A]

Cool snakes in the last pic!
Just one snake.

[GartersRock]

Ah I see! It's folded up all funny. ;)

[Stefan-A]

whats with the bug porn??????? guess I will add some.....:rolleyes:

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//504/crane_flies.jpg
pair of crane flies on my work truckhttp://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/feh/feh5.jpg

[anji1971]

Here are some pictures from Bird Kingdom in Niagara Falls.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Vacation-2008_143.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Vacation-2008_098.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Vacation-2008_154.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Vacation-2008_136.jpg

[GartersRock]

THose blue and gold macaws are stunning!! And that chubby little thing in the second pic is adorable! :)

[anji1971]

Thanks!
That chubby little thing is a Fire Finch. He was about the only critter in the Songbirds Display that would stay still and cooperate for a photo. It was a very "flitty and flighty" room!;)

[GartersRock]

Cool! I like the name too!

[Snake lover 3-25]

wow neat birds!!! great pics anji!!!:D

[Lori P]

Aw I love the fire finch!!! Thanks for such fun pics Anji!

[anji1971]

Thanks for liking them!:p
I still haven't gone through the ones from the Butterfly Conservatory, or the Falls themselves, and I just brought home a disc full of my father-in-law's pics from the vacation. I'll just keep popping them onto threads here and there until everyone is sick of them!

[GartersRock]

Lol! You're welcome for liking them. :)

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/buttsecks1.jpg

[anji1971]

Here are some favourites from the butterfly conservatory.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Vacation-2008_377.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Vacation-2008_355.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Vacation-2008_324.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Vacation-2008_358.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Vacation-2008_372.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Vacation-2008_321.jpg

[jitami]

Gorgeous Anji!!!

[crzy_kevo]

very nice anji :D

[Snaky]

Very nice pictures :)

[GartersRock]

Oooo! That black and red one is SWEET!!

[Lori P]

Oh just beautiful Anji!! Thank you!!

[anji1971]

Thanks, everyone!
That place was like heaven. Lush gardens, waterfalls, and butterflies and birds everywhere. I could easily spend an entire day just curled up on a bench, zoning out and watching the critters!
If I ever win a BIG lottery, I'm having one built onto my house.;)

[Loren]

Very Nice!

[Loren]

Went for a quick road cruise last night.

found 9 freshly hatched Pacific Gophers.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/pac_gopher_snake_1.JPG

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/img_1825_2.jpg

A 15" long night snake ( thats huge for a night snake).
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/large_night_snake.jpg

and 3 tarantulas.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/tarantula.jpg

I didnt keep anything.

[crzy_kevo]

wow i like the way that night snake looks i have never seen any of those before

[GartersRock]

Nice finds!!!!

[anji1971]

Nice, Loren!
Love that handful of babies..........:D

[zooplan]

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/pondfrog.jpg
"Pond Frogs" in the Botanic Garden of Bonn on September 14th
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/DSCF7824k.jpg
and a "Zauneidechse" Boundary Lizard?

[Snake lover 3-25]

cool frogs:D

[zooplan]

and an European swamp turtle
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/sumpfschildkroete.jpg

[Snake lover 3-25]

wow it sorta looks like a tortise!!!:eek:

[zooplan]

it´s living in a big pond together with these guys
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/DSCF7792k.jpg
:D

[Snake lover 3-25]

awwww i<3 turtles:D

[Stefan-A]

awwww i<3 turtles:D
You're smaller than three turtles? ;) :D

[reptileparadise]

:D

Lovely european swamp turtle!
Are the others Red eared sliders?

[reptile3]

Those butterflies are gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek: great pictures

[Snaky]

Well, I'm back from holiday in the South of France. It was great and it's a very nice piece of nature... So a few pics ;)

http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0377_klein1.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0381_klein1.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0367_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0370_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0360_klein.jpg

[Snaky]

http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0456_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0386_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/CSC_0532_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/CSC_0537_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0521_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0478_klein.JPG

[Snaky]

http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0553_klein1.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0559_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0582_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0816_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0597_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0813_klein.JPG

[Snaky]

http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0476_klein.JPG

This is the lake there, not the sea.. BTW, pictures are from the Camargue in the south of France.
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0453_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0449_klein.JPG

[Snaky]

http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0607_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0809_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0444_klein.jpg
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0507_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0822_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0827_klein.JPG

[Snaky]

http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0651_klein.JPG
Maybe not completely nature... but hope it's still ok to post them.
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0695_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0681_klein.JPG
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0675_klein.JPG
And you should not go there if you don't like these :D:
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_0590_klein.JPG

[Stefan-A]

Very nice photos. :)

Those are nutrias, right?

[drache]

wonderful photos, Hans - thanks
what are those little bugs? do they bite?

[Lori P]

Wonderful pics, Hans!! Thanks so much for sharing. Loved the pic of the pony with the heron on her. :-)

[Snaky]

Thanks everybody :)

@Stefan: Yep, you are right. We saw them a couple of times :)

@drache: They love you, that's why they come to you with so many... and they like to give you these itchi presents, all for free :D

[Snaky]

While on holiday, I also made a herping trip in Belgium with an experienced herper. Weather was not really good ( actually to good, to sunny and hot ), but still found some nice reptiles.
-Natrix Natrix:
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_1018_klein.jpg
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_1010_klein.jpg
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_1024_klein.jpg
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_1031_klein.jpg
-Lacerta vivipara:
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_1040_klein.jpg
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/CSC_1041_klein.jpg

[Snaky]

-Anguis fragilis:
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_1052_klein.jpg
Hopefully nixt time I'll find some vipera berus...
Some habitat pics (although not really so representative, since it hadn't rained for quite some time):
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_1035_klein.jpg
http://gallery.dierenparadijs.be/data/500/medium/DSC_1059_klein.jpg

[Stefan-A]

Nice Natrix natrix. We don't have light brown ones around here. :)

[Snake lover 3-25]

nice pics:D i LOVE that 2nd snake:D what is it???

[Stefan-A]

Which snake are you referring to? All the snakes are grass snakes (Natrix natrix). Except the one that's a legless lizard. ;)

[Snake lover 3-25]

ooooooo wow they sure are neat looking:D

[Stefan-A]

Indeed they are. Here's one I found last year.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/nnatrix1.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/nnatrix2.jpg

[Snake lover 3-25]

woa!!!! that looks like a ringneck!!!!:eek:

[Stefan-A]

Yeah, most of the grass snakes we have here, don't actually have a full ring around their neck, just one blotch on each side. This one had a ring plus a set of extra blotches, as you can see in the second picture.

[Snake lover 3-25]

strange that's very cool though.... did you keep it?????

[Stefan-A]

Nope. It happens to be illegal to even keep a captive bred one without a license.

[Snake lover 3-25]

o that stinks.....:(

[ssssnakeluvr]

had a nice visitor on my deck tonite.....

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g302/ssssnakeluvr/mantis007.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g302/ssssnakeluvr/mantis009.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g302/ssssnakeluvr/mantis001.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g302/ssssnakeluvr/mantis002.jpg

[ssssnakeluvr]

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g302/ssssnakeluvr/mantis004.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g302/ssssnakeluvr/mantis005.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g302/ssssnakeluvr/mantis006.jpg

[bsol]

Nice - We have those out this way!

Don this pic looks crazy...
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g302/ssssnakeluvr/mantis007.jpg

[Stefan-A]

Very nice, Don. :)

[Hornets23]

Oh thats just awesome!

[Snaky]

Nice visite, Don:)

[Garter_Gertie]

Cool! I've never ever seen a real one. Just the cartoon one... What? In "Bugs"? Very neat!

[jitami]

Nice pics Don! I finally found my first one of the year a week or so ago... removed it from the "dog yard" and placed it in our tree out front instead :) I was getting pretty bummed that I hadn't seen any all summer so finding that one made my day :)

[Lori P]

Great pics Don!! I haven't seen one around my place in ages.

[drache]

we've got them out back
brown ones and green ones

and that brown natrix looks a lot like the ones where I grew up
ours was maybe a little bit darker and duller, but when the sun hit it, it had an amazing coppery sheen

[reptile3]

Don, wow those are awesome pictures!!! I like that upclose one!!! Aundrea raised some of those from eggs. She has pictures.

I find brown ones, & greens ones here! I have pictures, but not as good as yours!!!

[reptile3]

Awesome picture Wayne... wow it let you handle him? that is so cool! love the green!:)


http://www.danceswithreptiles.com/chomp/praying.jpg

Found this today while mowing...

[Aundrea]

Me and my family went hiking on Sunday and so I took this pic. Stephanie has been nagging me to post this pic LOL. Im gonna try and go back there next weekend and take another pic of the same area that way the leaves are changing and I think it would look nice :D

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/100_0948.jpg

[reptile3]

Yeah I nagged her!!! he he I love it, it looks so peaceful!!!:)



Me and my family went hiking on Sunday and so I took this pic. Stephanie has been nagging me to post this pic LOL. Im gonna try and go back there next weekend and take another pic of the same area that way the leaves are changing and I think it would look nice :D

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/100_0948.jpg

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/augsepoct1.jpg

Araneus diadematus, male.


http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/augsepoct2.jpg

Lasiocampa quercus, maybe.


http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/augsepoct3.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/augsepoct5.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/augsepoct6.jpg

Ovis aries

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/augsepoct7.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/augsepoct8.jpg

Aedes communis


http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/augsepoct9.jpg

Turdus pilaris


http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/augsepoct10.jpg

A rare treat, Haliaeetus albicilla (White-tailed eagle). Would have gotten much better pictures if I had been quicker with the camera. It's about 200 meters away in these photos, but it was only about 50 meters away when I first spotted it.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/augsepoct11.jpg

Same as above.

[Lori P]

I love the sheep pic. He's awfully sweet!!

[Sid]

Great photos as usual, Stefan. Thanks for sharing.

[Stefan-A]

I love the sheep pic. He's awfully sweet!!
More domesticated animals for you, then. :)

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/roughbeasts1.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/roughbeasts2.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/roughbeasts3.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/roughbeasts4.jpg


And I must have left this one out by accident:
http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/augsepoct4.jpg
Sphinx pinastri, probably.

[count dewclaw]

Cool Sphinx pupa! Guess I hadn't expected to see sphinx moths from Finland...must not have thought about the possibility. We have some really neat ones around here.

Nice photos. Do you see white-tailed eagles much?

[Stefan-A]

Cool Sphinx pupa! Guess I hadn't expected to see sphinx moths from Finland...must not have thought about the possibility. We have some really neat ones around here.
Well, I think it's a Sphinx pinastri. The location was right and the pupa looks right. I found one exactly like it once long ago in a similar area, that I kept until it hatched and a S. pinastri came out of that one. :)


Nice photos. Do you see white-tailed eagles much?I've seen a few this year, but not this close. They were nearly wiped out once, but they're recovering and are becoming pretty common. This was the first one I've seen in this particular area.

[guidofatherof5]

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Praying_Mantis.jpg
Praying Mantis and some other creature in the background(Hailee age7)
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Mud_Swallow.jpg
Young Mud Swallow

[guidofatherof5]

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/The_Giant_Leopard_Moth_or_Eyed_Tiger_Moth_Hypercom pe_scribonia_.jpg
Giant Leopard Moth Catapillar

[guidofatherof5]

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/butterfly_Quick_e-mail_view.jpg
Monarch Butterfly(Danaus plexippus)

[guidofatherof5]

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Danaus_plexippus_Catapillar_Quick_e-mail_view.jpg
Monarch Catapillar

[Lori P]

Oh, beautiful horse, Stefan. What breeds are popular there, do you know? That guy looks like he could use a hug...!!!!

Wow, Guido, great shots too. I love both the catapillars!!!!

[Stefan-A]

Oh, beautiful horse, Stefan. What breeds are popular there, do you know? That guy looks like he could use a hug...!!!!
All of them, I suppose. :) I don't think any breed really stands out.

More horses..

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/horsey1.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/horsey2.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/horsey3.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/horsey4.jpg

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/horsey5.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/horsey6.jpg


We were making a management plan for this "traditional rural biotope" and they wouldn't leave us alone. :D

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/horsey7.jpg

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/horsey8.jpg

[Snake lover 3-25]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/horsey3.jpg

wow that one's beautiful!!!!!


http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/nature/augsepoct/horsey6.jpg

lol i like his expression:D

[Snake lover 3-25]

wow nice animals guido!!!! i love them all:D

[Garter_Gertie]

Stefan, looks like you get to work with some hotties... LOL!!!

[Stefan-A]

Stefan, looks like you get to work with some hotties... LOL!!!
Yeah, but they're not all in the pictures. ;)

[Garter_Gertie]

There's other horses?

ROFLOLPMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No, no! Just joking. COULD NOT help it!

I like seeing pics o'Finland. Guess I always thought it was all fjords and mtns and cold water. Doesn't look any different than northern MN or southern/middle Canada.

Thanks for sharing your world as ittiz as close as I'll ever get to Finland.

[Stefan-A]

No, no! Just joking. COULD NOT help it!
I knew what you meant. :p.


I like seeing pics o'Finland. Guess I always thought it was all fjords and mtns and cold water.
We don't have any mountains or fjords, it's a pretty flat country. The best we can do, is hills. It's forests, lakes, more forest, fields, forests again and lots of tiny islands along the coast.


Doesn't look any different than northern MN or southern/middle Canada.
My conclusion as well. :)

[Garter_Gertie]

Stefan, you are NO FUN!!! LOL!!! Spoiling my joke knowing what I meant!

Gotta get up PRETTY EARLY in the AM to put one over on you!

[Stefan-A]

Stefan, you are NO FUN!!! LOL!!! Spoiling my joke knowing what I meant!
You can't sneak jokes like that past me that easily. You can't even see enough of the humans to tell whether or not they're hotties. :D


Gotta get up PRETTY EARLY in the AM to put one over on you!
Don't forget to compensate for the time difference. ;)

[reptile3]

Have you heard of Kudzu? Well there is TONS of it everywhere here in Georgia.

The story behind it.... The Amazing Story of Kudzu (http://www.maxshores.com/kudzu/)

this is a field of it, on the way to take my son to school!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/reptile3/reptile3%20-2/DSC01340.jpg

this one is not that great, I had to take inside of my truck, yeah I know my windshield is dirty!! :p
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/reptile3/reptile3%20-2/DSC01339.jpg

[NetBSD]

ohhh can i play, ive been waiting for a spot to post these pics i took 3 years ago with my crappy walmart cam. lol.


2 mountain butterfies mainting while i was working on my old truck, they were at it for hours :eek:

http://imnotmark.zapto.org:3030/Pics/Nature/Photo004.jpg
http://imnotmark.zapto.org:3030/Pics/Nature/Photo007.jpg


these guys are huge and so beautiful but rarely seen in my parts

[Aundrea]

WOW Neat pic. Thoese are coool!!! :D

[count dewclaw]

Beautiful Cecropia moths! We see them from time to time here in central NY.

[tyflier]

I wanna Play!!

I have a TON of decent field herping photos, so I'll share some of my favorites, and what they are:

http://www.kingofcolubrids.com/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/field-photos/zaynegopher.jpg
My daughter identified and caught this little gophersnake all by herself. We were walking along the road, it came out and she yells, "Daddy! A Pituophis!!" and she ran up to it. Of course...she waited til I gave the go ahead before she picked it up, but...she properly ID'd it without any input from me...she's 4, by the way...

http://www.kingofcolubrids.com/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/field-photos/sidewinder3.jpg
http://www.kingofcolubrids.com/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/field-photos/sidewinder2.jpg
Crotalus cerastes cerastes-Mojave Desert Sidewinders. Second picture is a gravid female.

http://www.kingofcolubrids.com/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/field-photos/variegatus1.jpg
Banded Desert Gecko-Coleonyx variegatus variegatus. She is gravid...two nice eggs in her belly in this picture...

http://www.kingofcolubrids.com/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/field-photos/lzrd_frmd.jpg
Longnosed Leopard Lizard. Sorry...don't know the latin classification of this one.

continued...

[tyflier]

http://www.kingofcolubrids.com/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/field-photos/panamint4.jpg
http://www.kingofcolubrids.com/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/field-photos/panamint3.jpg
http://www.kingofcolubrids.com/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/field-photos/panamint1.jpg
Couple of neonate Panamint Rattlers-Crotalus stephensi. These guys are all babies, with only a tiny little, soundless button for a tail.

http://www.kingofcolubrids.com/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/field-photos/neolongnose1.jpg
Hatchling Western Longnose-Normal Phase-Rhinocheilus lecontei

http://www.kingofcolubrids.com/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/field-photos/gopher1.jpg
Great Basin Gophersnake-Pituophis catenifer deserticola

Thanks for letting me share!

[Loren]

A Clarus phase Long nose from The vicinity of Bishop- near that little town of Benton.

Notice even the eyes lack the reddish colors. Every Clarus I have seen pics of had normal reddish brown eyes. I think this one might have technically been anerythristic. Should have kept it.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/clarus_long_nose.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/img_1581_2_.jpg

[tyflier]

Wow, that's cool. I will definitely check the Clarus phases more closely now. I never noticed...

Here is a nice big female from my area:
http://www.kingofcolubrids.com/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/field-photos/longnose.jpg

I found several Clarus phase this year, but I never thought to check the eyes...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/tyflier/Herping%20Trips/Road%20Cruise%205%2018%2008/longnose3.jpg
Here's another from the same area. I can't see the eyes really well, but it does appear to be more brown than grey...

Interesting observation. I will definitely be on the lookout from now on...

[Loren]

I've always wanted one, but am looking for one with fairly clean white areas(I may not ever find one, but thats ok, its low on my wish list). This one was very peppered, similar to those you found. Still neat though. Didnt notice the eyes till I got home and looked at the pics.

[Snake lover 3-25]

wow nice snakes guys:D:D

[drache]

we went to the Jamaica Bay wildlife refuge today
we were hoping to see some diamondback terrapins and that we didn't
but we saw some other stuff
please pardon me if I post too many photos of geese flying, but it's hard to decide - I ended up with over a hundred
that place is like some kind of hub of the goose world right now, with flocks of all sizes swooping in and taking off - it was awesome

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2975605063_d19402012d_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2975610731_ac5a026c62_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2976470096_0b1a65eb26_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2976475040_48432ed11a_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/2975626047_71a3b8e13f_b.jpg

[drache]

I wish I had a zoom
they're alway flying off - high up there . . .

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/2976599576_9a9eea87ec_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/2976608774_ca7e3bcedf_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2975747529_ed9029cf7e_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/2976599576_9a9eea87ec_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2976504898_c7b857e7d0_b.jpg

[drache]

to give a little perspective:
the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is part of New York City
that thing in the background there is the Empire State building

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2976576440_3553ab515f_b.jpg

oh yeah - and there are snowy egrets too

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/2975595299_5d88fc15af_b.jpg

this is where the terrapins hang out when they hang out

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/2976585614_bf164b7f84_b.jpg

some pretty berries

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2976589596_89e948e4ef_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2976580326_4f4287403f_b.jpg

[drache]

here's what happens when you rub yellow and red berries on a piece of shell

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/2976617312_86c4e1fac5_b.jpg

that's it
we had a great walk
the air was brisk and sea-weedy smelling
it's a great habitat and if I were truly dedicated, I could even get there with public transportation, but it's a heck of a lot faster with a car . . .

[mtolypetsupply]

Here's some from my trip to Belize back in 2005. Nice to be able to trot these out again:

A fisherman we met on the river with his catch:
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//633/medium/Copy_of_IM000237.JPG

My best friend in front of a GIANT fragrant plant whose name I forgot. I was impressed because I got one from a flower show, and it only got about 4 leaves on it and died.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//633/medium/IM000222.JPG

An Iguana we saw several times in our island explorations
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//633/medium/IM000219.JPG

A baby saltwater crocodile, man were we glad Mama wasn't around!
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//633/medium/IM000234.JPG

[Stefan-A]

Very nice photos, Rhea and Stephi. :)

[Snaky]

Nice pictures :)

[Lori P]

Rhea, I didn't know there was a nature preserve there. Very cool! The geese were nice, but loved the egrets. (I have no egrets)(Snicker snort)

[Sid]

Very good photos, Rhea and Stephi.:) Thanks for sharing those with us.

[drache]

Rhea, I didn't know there was a nature preserve there. Very cool! The geese were nice, but loved the egrets. (I have no egrets)(Snicker snort)
it's okay to have no egrets, as long as you've got a heron

[jitami]

I too loved the egrets Rhea... and the berries...very nice :)

Great pictures Steph! Sounds like an awesome trip!

[adamanteus]

Nice pics, Stephi.... love the Ctenosaura.:)

[Snake lover 3-25]

wow very nice pics rhea and steph!!!:D:D

[jitami]

Mostly scenery pics from our weekend in the Crystal Basin/5 Lakes area of the El Dorado & Tahoe National Forests. Did not see one reptile or amphib, but didn't really expect to. The days were gorgeous, but the night time temps are dropping into the 20's up there. Enjoy... we did!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01779-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01792.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01806.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01818.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01820.jpg

Two more sets on the way...

[jitami]

Scary wildlife...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01825.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01828.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01831-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01842-1.jpg

Bear poo...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01834-1.jpg

Mystery poo...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01851.jpg

[jitami]

Spawning Kokanee Salmon... way smaller than the stealhead that we see here in the valley.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01853.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01855.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01865.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01866.jpg

Informal gravesite along the Rubicon Trail...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01869.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01875.jpg

Ok, that's it... was a great weekend until we broke a tie rod on the Rubicon. We usually carry an extra, but had given the extra to a friend in need a few weeks ago. Hubby did a decent trail fix, but it took a lot of time and then we had to take it easy the rest of the way out and didn't get off the trail until after 9 last night and home after 11. I'm tired!

[adamanteus]

Excellent pics, Tami. Love the salmon shots.

[drache]

Tami
thanks so much for the photos

[Loren]

Awesome pics Tami. Got me really itching to get up into the Sierras again. Its been a while.

[drache]

yes
your pics are right in synch with the sharp stab of longing for california i had this morning, except in my case it was the sespe i was yearning for - same rocks, different vegetation

[Stefan-A]

Love the scenery. :)

[Snake lover 3-25]

nice pics:D the area looks beautiful:D

[jitami]

Thanks guys :)

Anyone want to take a guess at the mystery poo? It was the same size as the bear poo, but obviously way different diet. Reminded me of cat poo, but??? Oh, in case you're wondering where the bear get berries this time of year, the manzanita bushes still have berries on them :)

Rita, It was so peacefull up there. The kids kept me too busy to go up at all this summer, so this fall trip was a real treat.

Loren, everything is so dry up there. All of the lakes are way down. It was wonderfully quiet, though. Especially as we were driving out, I felt like I was telling the forest goodnight for the winter. We're hoping to make a trip up to Barrett Lake before snowfall, but don't know if we'll actually make it. We did the 5 Lakes OHV trails on Saturday...pretty low key fire trail type stuff. We'd never gone that way and it was neat to see Buck Island Lake, Spider Lake, Loon Lake, and Hell Hole Reservoir from a distance. We've seen them all up close in person, but never from the other side of the valley :) Guessing by the "5 Lakes" name we either missed a lake or they're counting Miller(I think it's Miller) Lake right as you go in from the Tahoe side.

[Snake lover 3-25]

mountain lion???? different bear???

[Garter_Gertie]

Do you have wolves? I'm guessing wolf.

If not wolves, then fox; and after that racoon.

[jitami]

Not sure about Wolves... definitely have coyotes, though. You're thinking canine as opposed to feline, though? I can see that...

[Garter_Gertie]

Yeah. The shape. But I'm thinking large canine due to the AMOUNT! Sumbuddy ate a BIG DINNER! LOL!!!

But racoons fool me alot. I think too large an amount for fox... But there's fur in the poo...

I'd guess coyote if you don't have wolves.

[jitami]

I'll have to research and see if wolves have made any sort of comeback in the north western sierras. Here's another pic with more scat around the bigger pile.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/jitami/Oct%202008%20Crystal%20Basin/DSC01850.jpg

[Garter_Gertie]

That looks like raccoon.

[jitami]

Cool I was so curious! Thanks Gertie! Big racoon who must have found some furry carion?

[Loren]

We'd never gone that way and it was neat to see Buck Island Lake, Spider Lake, Loon Lake, and Hell Hole Reservoir from a distance. We've seen them all up close in person, but never from the other side of the valley :) Guessing by the "5 Lakes" name we either missed a lake or they're counting Miller(I think it's Miller) Lake right as you go in from the Tahoe side.

Have you ever been to Lower and Upper Sardine Lake?(Gold Lake hwy off 49) My wife and I camped at near-by Snag lake(a little scenic pond-sized lake with free camping) a few years ago, went to Lower Sardine, canoed accross it to the back side, and hiked up to Upper Sardine-fairly tough hike, almost straight up. Thats where I stripped down to my basics and swam after a Sierra Garter. No one else was around.
The view from upper looking down at lower was amazing. I didnt bring the camera though.
It was an awesome scenic trip, and on the canoe trip back, we cruised quietly right by a huge Buck.
One of the best camping trips I ever had.

[jitami]

Have you ever been to Lower and Upper Sardine Lake?

No, we haven't... sounds like we need to, though :) We even have the canoe, but I'm afraid I'm so out of shape right now that the hike would be a real struggle. It's been almost a year since we were in a car accident that really messed up my neck and back and I just need to bite the bullet and get back in shape. I'm dieting and have a gym membership.... just need to actually go. Soon. I'm tired of being tired. This was the first four wheeling trip since and my neck is killing me, but I'm ok.

[Loren]

Wow, sounds you have had a tough year too.
I dont remember just how tough of a hike it was. Not terribly far, just very much uphill, through brush and up bolders.
I think there is a road up there too, but I'm not a road guy. :)

That entire area is nice though. About 6000 feet I think.

[jitami]

Actually year wasn't too bad... the first 5 months or so really stunk... got a bit depressed, but was pretty good about getting myself out of it. Unfortunately everything got out of control while I was just too tired and sore to deal with any of it... house, eating habits, everything. Still haven't gotten it all straightened out, but working on it.

I'd rather hike than drive most of the time, but hubby doesn't enjoy hiking at all :confused: Says he gets bored? Four wheeling is a nice compromise. I still get to visit "the middle of nowhere" and he gets the adrenaline rush of climbing over stuff in his jeep. lol I also enjoy getting out and walking the trail ahead of him... this time I spent my walking time collecting dead branches for the snakies to climb on :)

[Loren]

Sounds like a good compromise to me :)

I've got the firewood cut and stacked for my next camping trip, just waiting for the woman...

[jitami]

She's out there, but there's no need to wait for her... just get out there and go... enjoy yourself and she'll show up sooner or later :)

[drache]

Sounds like a good compromise to me :)

I've got the firewood cut and stacked for my next camping trip, just waiting for the woman...
gosh Loren - don't say those things
I am so yearning to get out there right now
wish I weren't all the way over here

[Loren]

gosh Loren - don't say those things
I am so yearning to get out there right now
wish I weren't all the way over here
Sounds like we both have some waiting to do.

:)

[Garter_Gertie]

Cool I was so curious! Thanks Gertie! Big racoon who must have found some furry carion?

Yeah. I'm thinking racoon. BUT... I'm just a budding scatologist and get thrown when a particular animal chows on something other than 'normal.' Know what I mean?

Spring poopies are different than summer poopies which are different than fall/winter poopies. Though, sometimes fall poopies look like spring/early summer poopies depending on what fruit is ripening!

Racoons tend to not give a $h!t - if you will pardon the pun... LOL! - where/when they poop. So it is a more readily come-a-cross poopie than mink or fox or wolf... And wild cats usually do try and hide their poopies like house cats. Nature o'the beast.

[Garter_Gertie]

Sounds like a good compromise to me :)

I've got the firewood cut and stacked for my next camping trip, just waiting for the woman...

I'm on my way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Will take me a bit... I'm walking and these lop-sided thighs slow me down. And my flat feet hurt early on... So I don't get in too many miles a day.

HANG IN THERE!

[JSI]

Here are some shots from Algonquin Park

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r4FF0W1-dCM/SOq_Fa2UHuI/AAAAAAAAD_s/FMEripq9V-4/s800/IMG_2549.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4FF0W1-dCM/SOq_GlpkS2I/AAAAAAAAD_0/jzzUieoWJzU/s800/IMG_2551.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4FF0W1-dCM/SOq_J7tgXmI/AAAAAAAAEAM/1OYLyeV5kWs/s800/IMG_2561.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r4FF0W1-dCM/SOq_LZ7iIQI/AAAAAAAAEAU/4NvdeAbshjY/s800/IMG_2564.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r4FF0W1-dCM/SOq_ReXYpvI/AAAAAAAAEA0/g8dsvxPgQKU/s800/IMG_2589.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r4FF0W1-dCM/SOq_azcDi5I/AAAAAAAAEBY/tmGqMUR4KJg/s800/IMG_2629.jpg

Jeremy

[Stefan-A]

Very nice scenery. :)

[jitami]

Gorgeous Jeremy! Thanks for sharing!!!

[drache]

beautiful - thanks

[Snake lover 3-25]

wow beautiful:D

[reptile3]

Jeremy, those pictures are BREATHTAKING.... OMG!! soooo peaceful!!
thank you for sharing!!:D:D

[reptile3]

Here is one of the tree's in my front yard, this tree has never had any of those colors on it before.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/reptile3/Flowers/DSC01599-1.jpg



A spider I found this morning as well!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/reptile3/Flowers/DSC01593.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/reptile3/Flowers/DSC01596.jpg

[Aundrea]

That tree is so pretty!!!!! and that spider is scary looking LOL :eek:

[anji1971]

That tree is beautiful. I don't know what affects the fall colours, but I've noticed that the trees around here as well,maples especially, seem more vibrant than usual this season.

[Lori P]

Oooh gorgeous tree. I agree with Anji, I too have noticed that the colors are extra vibrant this year. Wish I had time to take a day trip to the mountains.

[suklaamumina]

Few random pics..

I don't really know what this is, but it's beautiful so I took a picture of it :D
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/siipioto.jpg

Dictionary said that this is a crane fly. I saved it from getting under the lawn mower and tried to get a decent picture, too..
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/thingy.jpg

Caltha palustris. My favourite flowers :p I love Finnish the name too, "rentukka".
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/kukkia.jpg